But the social studies teacher and environment club sponsor is modest when it comes to his own, which this year includes being nominated for the provincial government’s inaugural Excellence in Education awards.

“It’s kind of the ‘I’m going to kill these kids’ surprise,” Iachetta said about finding out he was a finalist.

“Obviously just to be named alone is an honour, and I was really shy about it at first,” he continued.

“I look around and there’s so many educators doing just incredible work, particularly here in our own district and school. It’s like, oh my gosh, why did they select me?”

Iachetta is one of three B.C. teachers nominated for the social equity award, which recognizes teachers who have helped students develop a sense of social responsibility and tolerance for others, as well as helped them engage in complex social or environmental issues beyond the classroom.

For Grade 12 student Abhay Sachal, who is part of the environmental club and one of the people who nominated Iachetta for the award, that’s exactly what Iachetta brings to the classroom.

“I remember in Grade 8 walking into Mr. Iachetta’s class as a really nervous Grade 8, and just feeling like this was such a welcome environment where I was able to learn about things in ways that were actually personal to me,” he said.

“The way that Mr. Iachetta engaged all of us by talking about real world issues and how it impacts our real lives. The why behind it. That was kind of the biggest thing.”

Finalists for the Excellence in Education awards have been invited to an awards ceremony at Government House in Victoria on Oct. 5. The winner in each category will receive a $3,000 personal bursary for professional learning, as well as a $2,000 bursary for professional learning at their school.